Automatic floor drain shut-off valves



Nov. 7, 1961 w. w. HALLINAN 3,007,484

AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF VALVES Filed Sept. 9, 1958 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

WILL/HM W. H/LL/NHN BMWA# HTTK Nov. 7, 1961 w. w. HALLINAN AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF VALVES 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 9, 1958 vl. T T H Nov. 7, 1961 w. w. HALLINAN 3,007,484

AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF VALVES Filed Sept. 9, 1958 l '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 /20 #.9 /20 faja 30a- /5 al l1 /50 L f A? 99 l 454 y 89 a /6 "Q2, -f 29a Mg/L goa r;` /g

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Nov. 7, 1961 Filed Sept. 9, 1958 W. W. HALLINAN AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF' VALVES 526 IFI I 22 lli I 222 l2@ '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 ZOO /20/ Nov. 7, 1961 vv, W. HALLINAN AUTOMATIC lFLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF VALVES 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 ZA f Filed Sept. 9, 1958 l m' INVENTOR.

ZZZmW/w 'f//ea Nov. 7, 1961 w. w. HALLINAN 3,007,434

AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF VALVES Filed sept. 9, 195e 'z sheets-sheet e Nov. 7, 1961 3,007,484

W. W. HALLINAN AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-OFF VALVES Filed Sept. 9, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 1N V EN TOR.

BYQ/Mam/ 242227017@ United States Patent O 3,007,484 AUTOMATIC FLOOR DRAIN SHUT-O VALVES A 'William W. Hallinan, Racine, Wis., assigner to Helly The present invention relates to automatic .floor drain shut-off valves, and is particularly concerned with improvements in the automatic iloor drain l.shut-off valves covered by my prior applicationQSer. No. 568,803, iiled March 1, 1956, now abandoned, and Ser. No. 752,773, tiled August 4, 1958, noW'Patent'Number 2,965,126,7both incorporated by reference herein, and of which this application is a continuation-impart.

One of -the objects of the invention is theprovision of an improved automatic lfloor drain shut-off valve of the class described, having a simpler type of latching mechanism, including a simple latchingvlever directly actuated by a oat for tripping the valve or directly actuated -by the cover in manually setting or tripping the vvalve and eliminating the sear mechanism employed Vby lmy prior applications.

Another object of the invention is the yprovision of an improved automatic oor drain safety device which will eliminate oodng of a basement when the water passage to the sewer from the floor drain has been clogged by tree roots in the sewer, causing the draining water from plumbing fixtures in the building, such as wash basins, sinks, toilets, and the like to back up through the floor drain and flood the cellar.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved automatic oor drain safety device which will eliminate the flooding of a basement which is caused by the water backing up from the main sewer during rainstorms.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of the class described which is .positive andautomatic in its action, and which indicatesthe closing of the valve to the user by tilting the regular floor drain cover up above the oor.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a simple, durable, automatic iioor drain valve which is adapted to be manufactured cheaply, since most of its parts may be made of punch press stampings.

Another object of the invention is the .provisionot` an improved device of the class described which may be installed by the user himself, and whichmay be removed at any time by the user for inspection orirepair, thereby eliminating the cost of labor for installation or removal, and which is Iadapted to save the user many dollars in damage to materials stored inthe basement, which would be spoiled in case of a flood in the basement.

Another object of the invention is the .provision of an automatic oor drain valvewhich will insure continuous safety and freedom from service, and which can be readily removed for cleaning out the oor drain.

Another object of the invention is theprovision of an improved automatic floor drain safety valve in which the oat is protected from the water during the ordinary drainage through the oor drain; and as soon as .back flow has tripped the iloat, the -float is again protected Patented Nov, 7, :1,961

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from that water by being located ,above the valve and yabove the water level after tripping.

Another object is the provision of an improved .automatic oordrain shut-off valve, lhaving a 4simple type of llatching lever .which is very sensitive but positive in its action and having a snap action-which is elected ,by .the use of magnetic members.

Another object is the ,provision of an improved device of the class described in which the latch is adapted to be latched automatically, but the unlatching and tripping is accomplished by the use of a cam lever controlled by the float, eliminating the latching lever.

Another object is the provision of a plurality of :forms of latching devices., each of which is controlled ,by ,a iloat and each of which is sensitive and positive .in .its action.

AAnother object is to provide an automatic float `controlled cut-off valve in which the oat is enclosed,but which has means for venting air bubbles from a point beneath the Valve to the air space above lthe oat.

Other objects and advantages of the inventionwillgbe apparent from the following description and the 4accompanying drawings, in which similar characters .of refer- 'ence indicate similar parts throughout the ,several views.

-Referring to the drawings, of which rthere vareseven sheets,

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view, taken onthe plane of the Vline 1 1 of FIG. 3 of the floor trap and drain, showing .the present automatic shutoif in partial :section on the same plane;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary View similar to FIG. l .with the parts in the positionk which they .assume .when the valve has vbeen tripped and closed, raising the tloor .drain cover to indicate this fact;

FIG. 3 is a sectional View taken on theplane ofthe-line 3-3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the plane of the line 4--4 of FIG. 1, looking inthe direction `of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the plane of the line 5--7-5 of FIG. 4, lookingin the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the plane of the line 6--6V of FIG. ,4, 'looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the trigger mechanism after it hasgbreen tripped;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken Aon the plane of the line 7-7 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. .8 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a modified construction showing adilferent latching arrangement;

FIG. 9 is .a similar View of a third type of vvlatching arrangement, having a simple latching lever without'a sear;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the latch and iioat of FIG. 9, taken from the rear ,sile'rof FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 1t), taken from the right side of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevational view rsimilarto FIG. 9, with the parts in the unlatched position; i

FIG. 13 is a view in perspective of the resilientvlatching member and its housing;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a xed latching member adapted to be controlled by a cam;

FIG. 1S is a fragmentary elevational view in partial section, taken from the rear side of the latching member of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational View, taken from the right side of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary elevational View of the front of a modied latching mechanism employing one or more magnets and an armature to effect a snap action of a simple latching lever;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on a plane passing through the axis of the valve assembly when the mechanism of FIG. 17 is installed in the unit but is unlatched;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view in partial section showing the improved valve unit when it has been actuated and moved to closed position by the ow of back water;

FIG. 20 is a similar view showing the best mode of installation at the proper elevation by causing the drain cover to push downward on a cardboard spacing tube which drives the unit down to the proper elevation at which it should be installed to lift the drain plate when the valve is tripped.

Referring to FIGS. l and 2, indicates n its entirety the floor drain trap, which comprises a vertical cast iron pipe portion 11 joined to a U-shaped bend 12 at the bottom and having an upwardly extending pipe portion 13, which is again bent laterally at 14, the level of the water in the trap being at the highest point in the bend 14.

The floor drain 10 is provided with a belled out opening portion 15a at the top which is ilush with the top of the floor 16 at its upper edge 17, and which has an annular seat 18 for seating the drain cover 19, which has a multiplicity of holes for passing drainage.

The vertical portion 11 of the drain trap has a cylindn'cal bore 21 within which the present automatic Hoor drain valve is installed. This device preferably includes a 'frame having an annular metal member 22 used as a support ring and having an outer cylindrical surface 23, which is receivable in the bore 21.

Above the cylindrical surface there is the frusto-conical enlargement 24, which tends to center the support ring 22 in the bore 21 and limits its downward motion so that it will be installed at a deiinite predetermined level.

Support ring 22 has a plurality of inwardly extending lugs 25, each of which has a vertical through bore 26 for passing the clamping bolts 27. In order to guide the lloat chamber 28 and the lugs 25 and bolts 27 are located at three equally spaced points; and the lugs are spaced from the float chamber 28; but the bolts are provided with brass washers 29 projecting inwardly beyond the lugs 25 and serving to have a line contact with the float chamber in its vertical sliding motion.

This eliminates necessity for accurate machining of the inner surface of the lugs 25. Additional guides are preferably provided for the tloat chamber 28 in the nature of the short sleeves 30 located on each rod 27 and secured there by a set screw; and each sleeve is providing with a frusto-conical surface 31 guiding the float chamber 28 between the cylindrical surfaces 32 of the three sleeves with a suitable clearance for sliding.

Additional sleeves or collars 33 are located on the bolts 27 immediately below the support ring 22 and secured by set screws so that the bolts are rigidly mounted on the support ring 22 against sliding or other motion.

The three bolts 27 are threaded at 34 adjacent their lower ends, but spaced from the lower end, and are provided with an annular shoulder at 35 for engaging the packing casing 36, which has three apertures 37 for receiving the threaded portions of the three bolts.

The packing casing 36 may be made of a sheet metal stamping having a tubular portion 38 and a frusto-conical portion 39, which carries an outwardly extending radial ange 40. The tubular portion 38 is adapted to pass ordinary drainage through the frusto-conical bore 39 and cylindrical bore 38. The tubular portion 38 has an outer cylindrical surface 41 for receiving a lower pressure ring 42, which has a circular bore 43.

The outer edges 44 and 45 of the packing casing 36 and pressure ring 42 are cylindrical and spaced from the inner bore 21 of the drain casing 11 to permit insertion of the present device in spite of inaccuracies in the dimensions of the oor drain.

A resilient annular member 46 of rubber or synthetic resilient material, such as Duprene, is located in the annular groove between the ilanges 40 and 42 and is shaped to lit that space at the frusto-conical portion 39. The size of the resilient annular member 46 is such that its outer cylindrical surface 47 is also smaller than the bore 21; but when the device has been installed in the bore 21, the bolts 27 may be rotated; and the upper bores 37 permit the bolts to rotate freely at the threaded portion; but the pressure ring 42 has threaded bores 48 and the bolts have slots 49 at their heads for reception of a screwdriver.

Thus the bolts 27 may be rotated to draw the pressure ring 42 toward the radial ange 40, compressing the rubber member 46 and expanding it into water-tight engagement with the walls of the bore 21. This holds the device in proper position in the drain 10 and makes it necessary for all drainage through the packing casing 36 to pass through the central bore 38.

Each of the bolts 27 has a reduced cylindrical extension 50 which is threaded at 51 at its end and provided with a pair of lock nuts 52. These extensions 50 are adapted to support a spring seat 53 in the form of a circular metal plate having a minimum diameter, as indicated by the edge 54, and having three radially ex tending arms 55 provided with apertures 56 for receiving the reduced extensions 50.

The plate 53 has a cent-rally located stamped cylindrical depression 57 for receiving the end of a helical compression spring 58. The compression spring engages at its upper end in a V shaped annular groove 59 in the valve member 60.

Valve member 60 comprises a sheet metal stamping having a conical central portion 61 and having a reverse curve at -62 and a backwardly extending frusto-conical portion I63 serving as a valve seat. The valve seat 63 is surfaced with an annular frusto-conical layer 64 of resilient material, previously described, serving as a valve facing.

The angularity of the valve facing 64 is preferably around thirty degrees; and the valve seat 65 on the packing casing 36 is frusto-conical and of the same angularity.

The iloat chamber 28 comprises a cylindrical metal member having a cylindrical outer wall 66 and a at bottom wall `67, which may be in the nature of a metal plug having an annular tiange 68 `fitting inside the side wall `66 and having an annular flange at 69 engaging the end of side wall 66.

rllhe bottom wall 70 of the end member 67 has a plu-- rality of apertures 71 for passing water or other liquidi and also has a central hub 72 provided with a threaded' bore 73 for receiving a valve actuating post 74 threaded. therein and secured by a lock nut 75. Valve actuating post 74 comprises a cylindrical metal rod threaded at its upper end and provided with a conical point 76 which is rounded at its apex, and which engages inside the apex of the V shaped valve stamping 61.

The valve post 74 urges the valve member 60 into open position, as shown in FIG. 1, when the present device is latched in that position; and when released by movement of the post 74 upward, valve member 60 closes automatically under the force of the spring 58. The valve member 60 automatically centers itself on the seat 65.

Float chamber `28 has its yupper .end closed fby an end wall 77 (FIG. 4'), which `is .Cylindrical and has an annular shoulder at 78 engaging the upper edge of side wall 66. End wall 77 -has an annular flange 79 that dits inside the side wall 66; andthe kflanges l68 and 79 may be secured by screws -80 passing -through the side wall and threaded into Yflange 79 or y68. This permits access to the mechanism.

The end wall 77 supports a latch bracket 80a, comprising an angular metal member having attaching flange l81 and a pivot flange 82 at right angles to the attaching flange 81. Attaching flange 81 has through `apertures for passing the screw bolts 83, which pass through this flange and are threaded into the end wall 77;

The pivot flange 82 has a threaded aperture l84 tor receiving the pivot bolt 85, which has a head and a cylindrical Ibody and a reduced threaded portion receivable in the threaded bore-84. -The Apivot boltf85 has its .cylindrical body passing through a latching -lever 86, `which has a 4bore for botlLSS on whichit is pivoted.

Latching lever `86 is in the lforni of abe1lcrank,-having an elongated 87 and a short arm 88 transversely thereto. The short arm 88 is formed onits outer side with an upwardly 4facing latching shoulder 89 for engaging the latch 90, which is carried by thesuppont ring 2 2 and `will be further described.

The latching shoulder 89 is adapted to clear the latch 90 in the position of FIG. 6 which is the unlatchingposition; and the arm 88 has a curved .camini-ng surface 91, which engages the curved ycani-.ming surface 92 onthe latch 90 to pivot the latching lever counterclockwise when the float chamber 28 moves down, carrying the latcvhing lever 86.

Latch 90 also has a l-atching shoulder 93 located at the upper end of an aperture :9,4 in latch :90 for receiving the pointed portion 95.0f thearm v818 lin the latching position. Thelongen tarmu87 oflatching lever 86 is provided with a stop lug 95a for engaging the `inside of the end wall 77; and the longer arml87 is provided with a reduced rectangular extension 96 lfor engagement in the trigger socket 97 of trigger lever 98.

Trigger lever 98 comprises `a bellcrank lever having a long 99 serving yas a gravity weight .for urging the trigger lever 98 in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6, `and also serving n an extension for the manual tripping of the trigger lever. The lon-ger arm 99 of trigger lever 98 (FIG. l) carries acentrally located-screw bolt 100 having a cylindrical body for reception in a slot 101 ina manual release bracket 102, and having a reduced threaded end threaded into apthreaded bore in the trigger lever The slot 101A in the manual release bracket 102mis elongated to permit thetrigger lever .98 to extend downward into-a-position where its end 103 engages the top 104 of lioat 105 when the device is latched.

'There is a clearance between the lower end of slot 101 and screw bolt 100 when the parts are in thsposition sothat the top cover 106, which carries the manual release bracket 102, may move upward until the end of slot 101 engages the bolt 100 and lifts the trigger lever 98 to unlatch the latching leverJS.

The manual release bracket 102 comprises VIa sheet metal member with a `depending Hangs-107 having the slot :or elongated aperture .101 andhaving the attaching tiange 108, which is secured to the top cover 106 by screw bolts 109 threaded into bores inthe top cover.

The trigger lever 98 has a short arm 110 (FIG. f6) `vwhich. extends upwardly vandis relatively wide, overlapping the end 96 of latching lever 86 and coniining end 96 on one side. The trigger lever 98 has a Sear or latching member 111 which is `provided with a bore v112 tor passing the pivot screw 113 which also passes through trigger lever 98.

The pivot screw 113 has a cylindrical body 114 engaging in complementary bores r112 in the sear 111 and trigger lever 98; and it has a reduced threaded extension 115 threaded into a threaded bore 116 in the depending lug 117 of -a pivot bracket 118. Pivot bracket 11-8 has its attaching iiange 119 secured by screw bolts 120, which pass through this attaching flange and are threaded linto the end wall 77.

f The end 96 of latching lever 86 is confined on its left side in FIG. 4 by the lug 117 that supports the pivot boltv 113. Sear 111 is xedly secured to trigger lever 98 by a screw bolt 121 passing through trigger lever arm 110 and threaded into a threaded bore 122 (FIG. 6).

Sear 111 has a suitable clearance at its surface 122:1 with the end 96 of latching lever 86; :and the sear has the rectangular socket 97 for receiving the end -96 and Vretaining it -by means of the shoulder 123 when the latchinglever and trigger are in the position of FIG. 1. The latching lever 86 has `a centrally located threaded bore 124 receiving the reduced threaded end of a screw bolt 125 (FIG. 4) upon which the oat 105 hangs -by means of anfupwardiy extending stirrup 126.

Stirrup 126 has an attaching ilange 127 soldered or brazed to the upper end of the oat 105, and also has lau upwardly extending flange 128, which is provided with a slot 129 for receiving the screw bolt 125.

The weight of the oat when it is out of the water tends to pull the latching lever 86 downward at Ithe righ-t in FIG. 6 in a clockwise direction, causing its latching point to move outward in position to engage the latch 90.

The top cover 106, which carries the latch releasing Ibracket 107, slides relative to the float housing 28 and has two positions. In the latching position top cover 106 is down against the end wall 77, as shown in FIG. l. In the unlatching position top cover 106 is up, away yfrom the end wall 77, as shown in FIG. 6.

For guiding the top cover 106 in its motion between these positions it is provided with three headed studs 130, which pass through bores 131 iu end wall 77 and have the heads 132 located inside end wall 77. Studs 130 have reduced ends 133 located in bores 134 in top cover 106 and riveted over to secure -them rigidly.

The studs 130 slide in the bores 131 and permit the top cover 106 to be used as a latch release by lifting the latch release bracket 102 that has bolt 100 mounted in the slot 101 and carried by the trigger lever 98. When the tufgger lever 98 has its longer arm 99 lifted, the shoulder 123 of Sear 111 moves clockwise in FIG. 6, releasing the end 96 of latching lever 86. Then the latching lever 86 can move counterclockwise to move the latching shoulder 89 out of engagement with latch 90.

The olat comprises a cylindrical metal member which is provided with flat end walls and cylindrical side walls of a `diameter to be slidably received iu the lloat chamber 28 for tree movement. The float 105 carries the bracket 128, which pu'lls down on the lbolt by `gravity,vcausing the latching lever 86 to move clockwise from the position of FIG. 6 when top cover 106 is in its lower position.

In order to latch the valve 60 in open position the support ring 22 carries the latch 90 (FIG. 1). For this purpose a metal block 135 is secured by a pair of screw bolts 136 inside the support ring 22. The same screw bolts carry a resilient metal leaf spring 137, which gives thel-atch 90 suiicient resiliency to move past the point 95 ot the latching lever 86 when lever is in the latching position.

At its upper end spring 137 carries a pair of screwbolts 138, which are threaded into the latching member 90. The l'atching member 90 ,comprises a rigid rectangular plate with the Vrectangular aperture 94 for receiving the point 95 of latching lever 86.

'Phe-latch 4also has the curved camming surface .92 and the latching shoulders 93 at the upper end ot' aperture 94.

In order to protect the latch against laccumulations of 7 debris and fuzz, the iloat housing 28 is provided at one side, near the top, with a latch housing 139. This comprises a channeled member of sheet metal closed at its upper end and on all four sides -adjacent its upper end by being soldered to the side of ythe oat housing 28.

The latch housing 139 has a slot 140 in its side Wall extending up suciently to clear the block 135 that carries the latch 90. The length of this slot 140 is sucient to permit the oat chamber 28 to be moved down to the latching position of FIG. l and slightly past the latching position to facilitate the latching between the shoulder 89 and the shoulder 93.

The operation of the automatic iloor drain stop valve is as follows:

It may be installed by the user merely by sliding it into the vertical portion 11 of the floor drain 10 until the frustoconical shoulders 24 prevent further downward movement. Screw bolts 27 may then be rotated in a clockwise direction by means of a screwdriver, drawing the pressure ring 42 upward, and expanding the annular rubber member outward.

The rubber member tends to hold the device in this position and establishes a water-tight seal at the outside of the member 46 so that all drainage in either direction must pass through the packing casing at bore 38.

During installation, the latching mechanism and float chamber are preferably removed from the frame. Therefore, at the time of its installation the valve 60 will be closed.

With the top cover 106 down against the end wall 77,. the latching lever 86 is permitted to pivot downward to the position of FIG. 1 by action of gravity on the tioat which hangs from stirrup 128. The trigger lever 98 is pulled downward by gravity due to the weight of its long arm 99 so that the end 96 of latching lever 86 is located in socket 97 against shoulder 123.

This causes trigger lever 98 to depend, as shown in FIG. 1, to be engaged by the top of iloat 105 so' that any upward motion of the oat will lift the long end' of trigger lever 98.

The device being devoid of water at this time, the: parts remain in the latched position due to action of gravity; and the point 95 of latching lever 86 projects' outward in position for the camming surfaces 91 and 921 to engage each other. If the top cover 106, now engaging the end wall 77, is then pushed downward, this will push the oat chamber 28 downward with its post 74, opening the valve 60; and this motion may continue until the camming surfaces 91 and 92 (FIG. 6) on latching lever 86 and latch 90 engage each other, camming the latch 90 to the left in FIG. 1 until the point 95 can pass downward and snap into aperture 94.

The parts will then be latched as shown in FIG. 1; and the valve will be held open by latching lever 86, engaging latch 90, and being held there by sear 111 on trigger lever 98.

The device may then be unlatched by merely pulling upward on top cover 106, which will lift the unlatching bracket 107 and pull the trigger lever upward to the position of FIG. 6, unlatching the end 96 of the latching lever 86, which will then release the latch 90, permitting valve spring 58 to move float housing 28 upward to the unlatchcd position of FIG. 6 or FIG, 2.

Thus the valve may be closed manually at any time; and this will always be done before removing the device from the drain.

When the valve is latched in the open position, any water or other liquid passing into the drain 10 will pass through the space between float housing 28 and support ring 22 and through the valve aperture 38.

No water ows through the cap 106 or aperture 141, as this aperture is closed tightly by the cap 106. If water were allowed to ilow through this aperture, it would ow over and around the trigger and other mechanism and would put the device out of order by accumulation of lint, soap, etc.

The water tightness of the top of the oat housing is a very important feature because the only part that is touched by water is the bottom of the float at the moment of tripping; and after tripping, the oat is raised well above the water line again.

The water level at this time is indicated by the dotted line land legend Water Level in FIG. l; and there is ample space for the water to How through the drain without raising the water level substantially. If the water should back up in the drain, it may pass through the valve aperture and through apertures 142 in the bottom of oat lhousing 28; and itrwill cause the float 105 to rise, which will unlatch the device as follows:

'I'he latching lever 86 is constantly pulled counterclockwise while it is latched, by the force of spring 58, which pulls down on latch 90, causing shoulder 93 to engage shoulder 89 during the latching. When float 105 engages the end of trigger lever 98, the trigger lever 98 is pivoted to the position of FIG. 6, releasing the latching lever 86.

When latching lever 89 is released to the position of FIG. 6, the point clears the shoulder 93 of latch 90 and releases the float housing 28 from latch 90, permitting it to move upward, carrying with it the valve post 74, which has been holding the valve open. This permits valve 60 to be closed by spring 58. The unlatched oat housing 28 moves to the position of FIG. 2, above the water level; and the oat being in the oat housing 28, oat 105 is also above the water line. Of course, the latching mechanism is always above the Water line.

It should be noted that the oat 105 is immediately raised above the current water level by the unlatching action and movement of the float housing 28 upward, thus keeping the oat in a clean condition, where it will not be covered with encrusted debris dried in place.

It will thus be observed that the present mechanism permits draining through the cellar drain; and all of its moving parts are protected from such drain water. The float and operating mechanism are tightly enclosed from the top and sides so that no lint, dirt, etc. will contact any of the latching or trigger parts; and the moving mechanism may be made of non-corrodible material, ex- 'cept the latch 90, the latching lever 86, the trigger lever 98, and the sear 111, all of which will be made of bronze.

The valve and its seat are located well below the water line and will remain wet so that any lint or dirt will be washed oi as water flows through them. The water that operates the float enters near the bottom of the iloat housing below the water level through the ports 142; and there is little chance of lint or dirt entering from this source.

It should be noted that when the device is latched in open position all the ports 142 are located below the water line to keep soaps, lint, and dirt from drying on the parts that are located above the water line. All parts of the mechanism except the oat itself are always above the water line.

When water from the sewer backs up to the trip elevation, shown in FIG. 1, the entire float housing and its mechanism will snap upward one inch, again lifting the float out of the water; and the tightly closing valve will prohibit any further rise in the water level.

When the device trips, closing the valve and raising the float housing, the top cover engages the regular floor drain cover and lifts it up above the oor, indicating to the user that the device has been unlatched and the valve is closed.

The latching lever and trigger are automatically reset to the latching position by action of gravity, when the valve 60 is opened by manually depressing the cap 106, which also engages and depresses the oat chamber until the point 95 of latching lever 86 enters aperture 94.

Whenever the device is to be installed, the cap 106 should first be forced downwardly to open the valve and give the latching mechanism au Opportunity to snap into 9 place, holding the oat chamber down and the valve 60 in open position. Then the device :is in position to be installed in a drain.

The present device may be installed in any standard drain, which it will positively close upon the backing up of any water in the drain sutliciently to'raise the `iloat.

Referring to FIG. 8, this is a fragmentary sectional view, showing an improved form of latch with afsear used in the commercial embodiment of the invention. 'In this embodiment the frame includes an upper stamped ring 2211, having a `plurality of inwardly extending flanges 2511 with through apertures Ifor passing lthe bolts 2711, of which there are preferably threeequally'spaced, n

The bolts 2711 are provided with spacers 2911 and 3111 and conical ferrules 3211 'between'their heads, in eachcase, and a lower packing ring y4011, which -has .fholes yfor the bolts 2711. The packing 'ring V4011 -has 4a Acylindrical body 38a, forming a port for the valve l6411,'which is shown in open position.

Packing vcasing 4011 -has la resilient annular packing member 4711 of Duprene-which is also traversed by the bolts 2711 and is clamped by a sliding 1'fing-40b, having hole-s for the bolts.

The bolts are provided with threaded ends and nuts 3311llocated in channeled ring 4211, so Ithatthe nuts cannot turn; and the turning of the heads 49a .of -the bolts causes a clamping of the packing 4711, which is vexpanded into engagement with the inside of the pipe 111111.

The valve 6411 has a covering of soft yrubber extending over its top, sides, and bottom, and is urged toward the seatby a coil spring 5811. 'The coil spring-5811 is seated against the plate 5511, which is carried by bolt extension 5011, having lock nuts 5211.

The'valve 6411 has a conicalstamped Vdepression 6111,

receiving ithe metal post 74b, which is carried by the I bottom of a oat chamber 6711. The :float chamber'67a has a depending sample tube '7111, which extends to Va point just below the valve seat when the valve is open.

As the valve is opened byithe post'74b carried by float chamber 6711, when the valve is closed by `upwardv'movement of the post 74b, the sample tube l7111 is alsomoved upward with the float chamber. The oat chamber 67a is a cylindrical metal body sliding lbetween the conical spacers 3211 on the bolts; and it moves from a lower latched position, shown in FIG. 8, to an upper position in which lthe valve is closed.

The float chamber 67a has an upper sliding cap`10611 mounted on three headed studs 13011, having heads 13211, so 'that the cap may be pulled upward to unlatch the mechanism. The tloat chamber carries a pivot bracket on its lower side of its upper wall and a sear 15711 is pivoted at 15611 on the bracket and is also pivotally connected at 15811 to a float bracket 12711, which has a hole '15911 for lug 15811.

The sear 157 is adapted to secure the end of a latching lever 15311 to a shoulder 415411; and the latching lever is pivoted at 9911 and has a shoulder 10011 engaging in an aperture in a resilient leaf spring latching member 90a, which is carried by the ring 2411 and covered with a housing 14011 The latching lever 153 has an adjustable stop inthe form of a screw 16111 carriedby a laterally projecting lug and engaging the lower side of the sear 157a.

The iioat 105b comprises a generally cylindrical cup open'atthe bottom and having'apressedy lateral `groove 10511 in its side for passing upward any bubbles which come up the sample tube 7111. The iloat 105b`carries the oat bracket 12711 at its upper endl'pivotally connected to the sear 15711.

The top cover 10611V carries a kdepending bracket 10311, having an aperture 16011 about lthe lug 15811, so that an upward pull on the cover 10611 lifts the Sear and trips the latch 15311.

The Voperation of this embodiment issubstantially the same as that described withzrespect-toSFIGS. l-7.

Referring to FIGS. 9-13, these are views showing a modied form Vof latch which does not have a Sear, but comprises a simple latching lever. The automatic valve preferably contains all of the same elements previously described; but the packing 47 may have an auxiliary .disc 200 of thin cellulose acetate clamped between the packing 47 and the lower ring 4211 on the bolts 27.

This acetate ring may be twenty thousandths of an inch `in thickness and is over size with respect to the inside of the pipe 111, so that the `unit must be forced into the pipe 111, deforming the acetate ring 200, as shown at 201, and frictionally holding the unit in the pipe at the position .to `which it is forced.

This precludes the loss of any unit -by .dropping it into the drain and holds the unit at -such an elevation that when itis latched, it is located immediately below the drain cover 119, toy lift the drain cover, an indication that it is unlatched land has the valve closed'.

In this embodiment of the'invention the oat 1051 1fhas a tloat bracket 12711 which is provided with a screw bolt 202 passing loosely .through an aperture in the bracket. The screw bolt 202 iis 4screwed into a threaded bore 203 in the pivoted latch member 204, Iwhere fit is secured vby, a lock nut.

The latching lever 204 has a pointed end portion 205 provided with an indentation 206 forming a latching shoulder 207. This latching lever 204 is pivoted on a bracket 208 of ythe yangle type, having one flange 209 riveted to the ktop 210 of the vfloat housing.

Bracket 208 has -a threaded bore 211 for receiving a threaded screw bolt 212 threaded into the bore and secured -bya lock nut 213.

Latching lever 204 has -a bore `214 passing the bolt `212, which preferably has a washerbetweenthe bracket 208 land latching lever 204.

The cover 215 has a depending angle bracket 216 with one ilange riveted to the cover at 217 and a depending flange having a rectangular aperture 2,18. The aperture 218 passes about the screw bolt 202 so thatthe cover may be-used to lift the iloat and the end of the latching lever 204 to trip the mechanism.

VThe cover is provided with three headed studs ,219, the heads 220 of which limit the upward sliding motion of the cover on the top 210 of the oat housing. The enlarged aperture 218 provides `a lost motion connection about the screw bolt 202 and permits the cover to be pushed downward until it engages the top 210 of the float housing, after which it pushes the float housing down to close the valve and permit the latching lever 204 to move into latching position by gravity.

The float housing has an aperture 221; and the spring keeper has an aperture 223; and these aperturesregister and are adapted to receive the pointed end 205 of the latching lever 204 when the iloat housing is Imoved down to the latching position.

This latching position is shown in FIG. 9. The operation of this embodiment of the invention is thesame as those previously described except that the latching member is a simple latching lever combined with a resilient spring keeper.

The downward motion ofthe float housing when it is being latched is stopped by the wall 224 of the keeper housing 225, previously described; but due to inaccuracies of manufacture there may be some back-lash inthe latching mechanism whenthe parts have become latchedand the oat housing is permitted to rise again in FIG. 9 until the shoulder 207 engages the top of aperture213a in thespring latch 222.

`This back-lash or movement sometimes mightrresult in accidental release of the mechanism; and the mechanism ispreferably provided with a cam shaped stop member 226 mounted on the keeper housing 225 o n a pivot Vscrew 227 and adapted to be rotated until it engages the upper edge 228 ofthe support ring 22.

This cam shaped stop 4226.1nay Ybe adjusted at -the 11 factory so that there is no back-lash or free motion between the latching members in the latched position; and this is desirable because it makes the latching mechanism more stable and less likely to be tripped accidentally.

All of the other parts of the mechanism may be substantially as described before; but FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another form or modification of latching mechanism that may be employed.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, these are fragmentary views in partial section, showing another modification of the latching mechanism.

In this embodiment of the invention the float chamber 2817 has its top 7711 provided with an angle bracket 230 provided with a wide vertical flange 231 and a horizontal flange 232, which is riveted to the top 77 b.

The vertical flange 231 is provided with a pointed latching extension 233 having an upper latching shoulder 234 for engagement with the latching keeper 222 made of spring steel and supported as previously described.

The spring keeper has an aperture 223 in alignment with an aperture 221 in the float housing 28h; and the spring keeper 222 is urged into engagement with the side of the float housing 28 and has a backwardly turned upper end 235 acting as a camming surface when the float housing is inserted into the unit between the bolts 27.

During such insertion the latching extension 233 also engages with its camming surface 236 striking the upper end 235 of the keeper 222 and forcing it back until the latching extension 233 extends into aperture 223 in latching position.

As the bracket 230 is fixed on the top 77 of float housing 28b, it cannot move to unlatch the mechanism; but bracket 230 is provided with a threaded bore 237 for receiving a screw bolt 238 pivotally supporting a camming lever 239, which controls the latching mechanism and has an aperture for the bolt 238. A washer 240 is preferably interposed between bracket 230 and camming lever 239. Camming lever 239 has a relatively long horizontal extension 241 which is provided with a laterally turned lug 242 above the center of the float 105b.

The float 105b may be as previously described, being a bottom open drawn metal cup having a generally cylindrical wall and a vertically extending pressed groove 70h. The float 105b has a supporting angle bracket 243, the horizontal flange 244 of which is brazed to the top of the float, and the vertical flange of which has an aperture 245 for receiving the lug 242 on the camming lever 239. l

Thus the float 105b hangs freely on the lug 242 of the camming lever 239. When the float rises, it is adapted to lift the camming lever 239. At its left end the camming lever 239 has a cam formation 246 of increasing radius, beginning with a minimum radius at 247; and at the minimum radius, with the camming lever 239 down in the position of FIG. 14, the periphery 246 of the camming lever is withdrawn behind the edge 236 of the latching extension 234.

When the camming lever 239 is pivoted upward in FIG. 14 counterclockwise to the position of FIG. l5, the camming edge 246 projects beyond the edge 247 of the latching extension 234; and the spring keeper 222 is forced backward off the shoulder 234, thus unlatching the keeper 222 by moving the keeper back.

Thus a rise of the float 105b is adapted to lift the camming lever 239 and unlatch the keeper from the fixed shoulder 234. 'In effect, the keeper becomes the movable latch member, cooperating with the fixed latch on the bracket 230.

As previously described, the cover 1fl6b is provided with the same studs 130b, slidably supporting the cover on the float housing 28b; and the cover may move between the position of FIG. 14 to that of FIG. 15.

The cover 106b has an unlatchug bracket 248, com- 12 prisng an angle bracket having one flange 249 riveted to the bottom of the cover and another vertical flange 250 extending through an aperture 251 in the top of the float housing 28.

The vertical flange 250 of angle bracket 248 has an enlarged aperture 252 surrounding the lug 242 so that the lifting of the cover 106b lifts the camming lever 239, as shown in FIG. 15, to unlatch the keeper from the extension 234.

Pushing the cover down to the position of FIG. 14 withdraws the camming edge 246 into the float housing 28 by pushing the camming lever 239 downward.

Thus the present latching mechanism may be controlled in the same way as the others described.

The float housing 28b is latched in lower open valve position by pushing down on cover 106b, and it may be unlatched and released to the closed valve position by pulling up on the cover 106b or by having back water lift the float b.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, these are views of another modification of the latching mechanism, which includes a simple latching lever with the same type of keeper and a magnet and armature for effecting a snap action.

The latching mechanism is preferably mounted upon a supporting plate 77e of circular shape and provided with a pivot bracket e depending therefrom and secured thereto by an angle flange 151C. Pivot bracket 150e pivotally supports a latching lever 98o by means of a pivot screw 99e located adjacent the shorter end of the latching lever 98e, which is provided with a latching shoulder 100e.

The latching lever 98C is provided with an armature 101C projecting laterally from the lever and secured thereto by a plurality of screw bolts; and the armature 101c comprises a rectangular block of metal located immediately above one or more permanent magnets 102e.

The permanent magnets 102e are preferably of U shape and are also supported by the plate 77e, which may have a U shaped bracket 103e secured to plate 77a` by screw bolts, and having the magnets 102e` clamped to its lower flange by a screw bolt 104C and a clamping plate 104:1'. Screw bolt 104C, clamping plate 104:1, and bracket 103e are all preferably made of brass or some other nonmagnetic metal; and the armature 101e is made of sufficient width to embrace or engage both of the legs of the U shaped magnets 102C.

In the position shown in FIG. 18 the latching lever 98 is unlatched; that is, in its uppermost position when moving counterclockwise in FIG. 18, as this places the latching shoulder 100e out of range of engagement with the latch 90C, further to be described.

The latching lever is held in latched position by the permanent magnets 102C when it is in the position of FIG. 18, at which time a certain amount of force is exerted on the latching lever by the spring 58e and other mechanism, tending to turn the latching lever counterclockwise in FIG. 18; but this is resisted by the magnets acting on the armature.

The present modification may, therefore, include only a simple latching lever, the movement of which is controlled by the float subject to the release of the armature by the magnet.

This provides a snap action which is positive and a latching action which is sensitive and adapted to be controlled by the lifting of the float by water backing up in the drain pipe.

Referring to FIG. 19, this is a view showing the proper elevation of the floor drain valve assembly in a drain pipe at such an elevation that the top cover 106 lifts the apertured strainer plate 119 when the float housing is unlatched by water rising and lifting the float. Since the apertured drain plate 119 may be of different proportions, it is difficult to ascertain the proper e1evation of the drain valve assembly.

spons/i For this purpose FIG. 20 `shows a cardboard tube surrounding the upper ends of the bolts and resting on the support ring 22 and projecting upwardly into engagement with the drain cover 119. The length of this cardboard tube, which is later thrown away, is such that it projects above the top cover 106 when the when the unit is latehed; but when the unit is unlatched, as shown in PIG. 19, the top cover 1% extends above the cardboard tube.

This assures the proper elevation of the drain valve assembly in `the drain because the plastic ring 201, which projects from the packing casing (FIG. 9), will hold the valve assembly at the desired elevation; and it is only necessary to put a cardboard tube, as shown in FIG. k20, on the upper end of the unit and then'to place the drain 'cover 119 on the cardboard tube and push the unit down by pushing down on the drain cover to the position of FIG. 20. 4 I y The plastic holding ring 291 (FIG. 9) holds the unit in this position; and the drain cover may be lifted, the cardboard tube removed, and the screw bolts tightened to 'expand the packing and secure the unit in the drain at that elevation. This assures an indication that the valve is closed by lifting the drain cover, as shown in FIG. 19, when the valve closes.

,It will thus be observed that I have invented an automatic oor drain shut-off valve assembly which may include any of a plurality of different types of latching mechanism.

y The present device may be latched with its valve open by merely pushing down on thetop cover; and it maybe unlatched manually by lifting up on the top cover. When latched in open position, ordinary drainage may run down through the valve assembly and out of the drain pipe; but whenever any water backs up in the drain insufficient amount to raise the float, the latch is tripped yand the float housing moves upward, closing the valve and lifting the iloor drain plate to indicate to the user that the valve is closed.

While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of all changes in the scope of the appended claims.

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. In an automatic cellar floor drain shut-olf valve assembly to be used in a floor drain trap having an upper fpipe opening at floor level to receive drainage, said trap retaining water at a predetermined water level, establishing a water seal against sewer gas, the combination of a iloor drain pipe with a frame including an upper supporting ring to' be received in said drain pipe opening to -support the frame, a packing casing hanging below said ring in `said pipe said packing casing having an upper `liange,"a lower flange, and a cylindrical tubular portion vand carried byl a plurality of bolts passing through aper- 'tures in said ring and having spacing means engaging the top of said packing casing, and having threaded ends in threaded bores in the lower iiange of the packing casing, a resilient annular packing member in saidV packing casingfsaid resilient member having a sliding fit in the pipe, and being expanded into water-tight engagement with said pipe by rotating, at their heads, the said bolts,

ing said valve against its spring, a latch on said frame, a

latching lever in said float housing engaging said latch to latch the iioat housing in lower Valve open position, and a iioat in said iioat housing, to control said latching lever and release said latched iioat housing upon flow of back -water in said pipe in suticient amount to raise the level and raise the iioat, water draining from the iloor through said pipe and trap without raising the float sufiiciently to trip the latching lever, the oat and latching lever being maintained above the water level by 'being lifted with the iioat housing when the latching lever is tripped.

2. An automatic iloor drain shut-off valve according to claim 1, in which the vtloat housing has a movable top cover with a depending bracket having a pin and slot connection to 'said latching lever, saidY cover excluding drain water from the iioat housing, which may be latched in valve open position by a down push on the cover and iioat housing, or unlatched by anup pull on the top cover.

3. An automatic floor drain shut-olf valve according to claim l, yin which the vpacking casing has a lower partially conical seat about its central aperture, and the valve has -an upwardly open `conical socket for receiving the end of said stem, and the valve has a partially conical face covered with a resilient facing engaging said seat and selfcentered thereon by pivoting on the'end of fsaid stem.

Vv4. An automatic oor-drain's'hut-off vvalve according to claim 3, in which the bolts support avalve seat plate and the valve is a sheet metal stamping, having a lower annular V groove with one end of a compression coil spring seated in the groove, and the other end of the spring reacting on the seat plate carried by extensions of said bolts.

5. An automatic floor drain shut-off valve according to claim 2, in which the depending bracket has va pivoted connection to a trigger lever, which latches and controls the latching lever, an up movement of said cover lifting the trigger lever to unlatching position, or a down movement of said cover depressing the trigger lever vtoward latching position, for manual release or set by movement-of thecover.

6. An automatic door drain shut-off assembly compris` `ing a drain pipe having a cylindrical bore forming an inlet for drainage, a packing casing comprising a tubular ring provided with an annular flange at one end -and'forming a valve seat for a central port atthe other end, said casing having an annular resilient packing ring on said tubular ring, and having a second expansion ring slidably mounted on the first packing casing ring for compressing the resilient packing, a plurality of screw -brolts for-ming a frame for the valve assembly and having upper heads disposed in accessible position at the upper end of the i drain pipe, the said screw bolts yhaving threaded lower ends engaging complementary threads forcing said expansion ring tof'compressthe resilient packing when the screw bolts are rotated, for providing a water-tight seal-with the inside of the drain pipe and for securing the assembly in the drain pipe, a supporting ring carried by-the screw bolts adjacent their upper end, a spring pressed valve for closing the portin said packing casing, a float housing slidably mounted between said screw bolts and' havingl a valve -actuating'post for engaging land openingsaid'valve, a resilient latching keeper mounted on said supporting ring and extending upward, ya latch controlling member mounted on the inside'of said iioat housing adjacent its top, and having a latching shoulder at its end projecting through an laperture in the float housing into position to engagesaid latching keeper and a oat mounted in said float vhousing'and'adaptedl to disengage said-latching member from Asaid keeper, the oat and latch controllingmember moving into latching position |by gravity, when the valve is opened by manually depressing the float-housing a depending ange movably mounted on the top of the float housing for directing drainage downward over the oat housing, the said cover having a bracket depending into the float housing and loosely connected to the latching lever, whereby the lifting of the cover will trip the controlling member, and a push downward on the cover places the parts in position to be latched.

8. An automatic floor drain shut-off assembly according to claim 6, in which the latch controlling member is formed with a projecting and carrying said shoulder on its upper side, and having a beveled surface on its lower side, the beveled surface camming the resilient keeper backward until it snaps over the end of the latching lever.

9. An automatic oor drain shut-oil? assembly according to claim 6, in which the oat has an upwardly extending bracket provided with an aperture for passing a pivot member which is secured to the latch controlling member, and the float has a relief groove in its side for passing air bubbles.

l0. An automatic floor drain shut-off assembly according to claim 9, in which the bottom of the float chamber is closed except for a depending sample tube extending downward adjacent one side of the oat chamber to a point between the valve and the valve port to discharge upward any air bubbles which might otherwise tend to lift the float.

11. An automatic oor drain shut-olf assembly according to claim 6, in which the latching keeper is enclosed in an elongated box-like housing closed at the top and preventing drain water from running over the latching keeper. Y

l2. An automatic floor drain shut-off assembly according to claim l1, in which the latching keeper housing carries a rotatably mounted cam shaped stop member carried by' a threaded member and adapted to be clamped in any of a plurality of rotative positions to be adjusted to prevent any back-lash in the latching mechanism.

13. A valve assembly according to claim 6, in which the latch controlling member is held in latched position by a magnet and armature and the magnetic force is overcome by the lifting of the iloat, resulting in a snap action.

14. A valve assembly according to claim 6, in which the oat housing carries a rigid latch and the latch controlling member is a pivoted lever with a cam forcing the latch keeper to unlatched position upon lifting of the oat.

15. A valve assembly according to claim 6, in which the latch controlling member is a lever directly connected to the iioat which unlatches said lever by lifting of the oat.

16. A valve assembly according to claim 6, in which the latch controlling member is a trigger lever having a sear and the sear engages the long end of a latching lever having a latching shoulder at its short end engaging the keeper, and the latching lever has a lug and threaded member engaging the trigger lever :to adjust the latched position of the sear.

l7. A valve assembly according to claim 16, in which the oat housing carries an adjustable stop comprising a rotatable cam and clamping threaded member.

18. A shut-olf assembly according to claim 6, in which the float housing is enclosed at its bottom but has a depending sample tube extending from the bottom to a point below the valve port, to vent air bubbles through the tube and float housing.

19. A shut-olii assembly according 'to claim 18, in which the illoat has an indented groove in its side above the Lsample tube to permit air bubbles to pass the iloat.

20. A shut-off assembly according to claim 18, in which the latch controlling member is isolated from the air bubbles by a supporting bracket carrying the latch controlling member on the side opposite to the sample tube.

2l. An automatic oor drain shut-oil? assembly according to claim 6, including an expandable non-metallic tube surrounding the bolts and resting upon the supporting ring and extending upward above the top of the assembly when latched in open position, but located below the top oi the assembly when unlatched in closed position, the said tube determining the proper elevation of the assembly in a drain pipe by engaging a drain cover plate when the assembly is being installed.

22. An automatic floor drain shut-off assembly according to claim 2l, in which the packing casing also supports a resilient and over-size annular sheet member projecting outwardly suiciently to engage the wall of the drain pipe frictionally to hold the assembly at the desired elevation in the drain pipe after insertion by hand while tightening the bolts and expanding the packing.

23. An automatic drain shut-off valve assembly comprisng a frame having an upper ring and a lower ring, said lower ring having a packing casing provided with an inner valve port and seat and an outer resilient packing adapted to engage in a conduit and means to compress said packing and expand it laterally to hold the frame in xed position and to establish a liquid-tight seal with said conduit, a spring pressed valve carried by said frame and comprising a rubber covered tapered member adapted to engage said seat in said port, a valve controlling member slidably mounted in said frame and having a central depending valve lactuating post engaging said valve, latching means for latching said valve controlling member in a lower valve open position, and a oat actuated by liquid rising through said port for releasing said latching means upon back iiow of liquid through said port, said spring closing said valve upon said release, but permitting down drainage through said port until said release.

24. An automatic oor drain shut-off assembly according to claim 23, in which the packing casing also supports a resilient over-size annular sheet member projecting outwardly suiciently to engage the wall of the conduit frictionally to hold the assembly at the desired elevation in the conduit after insertion by hand while tightening the bolts and expanding the packing.

25. An automatic shut-off valve assembly according to claim 23, in which the latching means comprises a resilient keeper carried by said upper ring and a pivoted latching member carried by said controlling member.

26. An automatic shut-oit valve assembly according to claim 23, in which the controlling member is a float housing enclosing the float and latch mechanism and protecting the same against dirt and grime from above, the iloat housing and iloat rising above the water level when unlatched.

27. An automatic shut-off valve assembly according to claim 26, in which there is a cover cap movably mounted on the top of the oat housing and connected to the latching mechanism to effect an unlatching by upward movement of the cap.

28. An automatic shut-off valve assembly according to claim 26, in which the float housing is closed at the bottom, but provided with an open depending sample tube for conveying back iiow into the float housing to actuate the float.

29. An automatic floor drain shut-oi valve according to claim l, in which the latching lever is controlled by a trigger lever and the latching lever has a short vertical latching arm with a latching shoulder and a beveled cam, said latching lever having a long horizontal arm to engage said trigger lever, said trigger lever being pivoted on the inside of said oat housing and having a short vertical arm provided with a trigger socket receiving the end of said latching lever and having a long trigger arm extending horizontally and downward to be engaged and lifted by said lloat, said latching lever and trigger lever moving by gravity into latched position and being movable into unlatched position by lift of the trigger lever by the oat.

30. An automatic floor drain shut-off valve according to claim 2, in which the drain has a drain cover and in which the oat housing when unlatched is raised by 17 valve and spring `above the water level, lifting the drain cover to indicate a valve closed position to the user.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 565,320 Barratt Aug. 4, 1896 1,069,579 Roblee Aug. 5, 1913 1,149,675 Nix et a1 Aug. 10, 1915 1,341,563 Kaufman May 25, 1920 18 Hadka July 14, 1925 Pearson July 23, 1929 Shaw Apr. 8, 1930 Russel Oct. 30, 1945 Wright Jan. 1, 1952 Weber Jan. 3, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain June 21, 1934 

